Rugby league star, Johnathan Thurston says Australians need to be better informed why Indigenous Australians are upset with the date of Australia Day.
Mr Thurston insisted governments prioritise Indigenous issues, particularly the Australia Day date issue, after failures to meet targets for Close the Gap, a government-led Indigenous health campaign aimed at improving health and life-expectancy.
Thurston says his success in rugby league has allowed him an opportunity to mentor young Indigenous Australians who he believes do not feel included in the current Australia Day celebrations.